A NEW LOCAL INDUSTRY.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 221, 19 September 1888, Page 8

A NEW LOCAL INDUSTRY.

Co_onists in general are prone to look with j disfavour on articles of local manufacture, | aud in consequence many oi the simplest contrivances in use here iin everyday life, the manufacture of which would, if properly supported, be carried on here, are imported"from abroad. For example, the] manufacture of such' simple articles as j butchers' skewers would blossom ihto a flourishing industry' if * properly patronised, by the trade for which the articles arem-. tended, but the greater proportion of local butchers prefer instead to send .so far from home as America for the skewers. The manufacture, however, has now been started in* Auckland '' by Mr T. Oaborne, of Avondale, I who has turned his attention to this branch of industry, having a special machine for the purpose. We have been shown some samples which he has turned our, and can- safely say that they are in every way fully eqiial, if not superior to the imported article. Mr Osborne's machine; is adapted to make the skewers of any ; length from nine inches down to threes anclwhehdriven by,steam it is capable of turning,out some I.JOO •; per hour. "The specimens " shown us were made of Hobart blue-gum, but Mr Osborne intends in the future to use New Zealand woods, birch or tj-tree being'the most suitable for the purpose. The charge made for the skewers is Only 7s per thousand, and Mr Osbornehasalready received one or two considerable orders. We trust that the members of the butchering trade will heartily support Mr Osborne in his efforts to establish another local industry, instead of sending _so far away as Americator an article. Mr Osborne has left samples of his turn-out at this office, where they may be seen by thdse interested.